National Post

Highly addictive drug blamed for cannibal attack in Miami a growing threat
The new synthetic drug being blamed for a horrific attack in Miami in which a naked man chewed the face off of a victim in broad daylight has become popular in parts of the Maritimes and has health officials warning of the drug’s violent consequences.

U.S health authorities say bath salts popularity was noted by doctors to rise significantly throughout late 2010 and into 2011.

“Bath salts” — as the drug is known by on the streets — are much more dangerous than than the impression that their innocuous-sounding name leaves. Made with the active agent of either Methylenedioxypyrovalerone (MDVP), mephedrone or methylone, it can result in an aggressive, chaotic response in the user, combined with intense hallucinations and extreme euphoria. It has been compared to a mix of cocaine and amphetamine.

Greg Purvis, director of Addiction Services for the Pictou, Colchester East Hants and Cumberland county health authorities in northern Nova Scotia, called the drug the most dangerous new product he’s seen in his career.

“I’ve been working in addictions for 19 years … and this is the first drug which really has me concerned.” (AP Photo/The Miami Herald)